Waltz Golf Farm in Limerick celebrates 50 years

Photo by Christine Mawhinney Lark
Waltz Golf Farm has added the number 50 by the Castle Golf in honor of its 50th year in business. The family is running special pricing and events through July 4 in honor of the golf course’s birthday.

Waltz Golf Farm, a cornerstone of the Limerick area, is marking 50 years in business. The owners plan to celebrate the anniversary in grand style, by sharing the celebration.

Before opening its doors in April of 1964, Waltz Golf Farm was a farm where Black Angus grazed. William G. “Sandy” Waltz thought the front of his farm would make a nice golf course, and would be more exciting than watching animals graze.

When choosing a theme for the first miniature course, Waltz suggested a farm theme. The Farm Golf still exists today.

“After Waltz Golf Farm opened with the farm mini golf, driving range and Par 3, the rest of the farm was converted to Waltz Turf Farm through the 70s-80s,” said Lisa Waltz. “Then my mom, dad, cousin Ray Waltz Jr. and Uncle Ray Waltz decided to turn the turf farm into an 18-hole golf course, so Turtle Creek Golf Course was built and opened in 1997.”

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The Waltz Golf Farm was added to over the years. Batting cages in 1986, a grass Tee driving range in the 90s and a gemstone panning attraction called Golfer’s Gulch in early 2000.

“In 1994 we decided it would be fun to have some fireworks to celebrate our 30th anniversary; we had a little show, and those who came thought it was great,” Waltz said. “We never had the idea to continue it until the next year when everyone asked if we were having more fireworks, so a tradition was born.”

Thousands come out for the fireworks with blankets, Frisbees and beach balls, enjoying the food vendors and live music until the firework show at 9:45 p.m.

Waltz noted that they are very lucky to have the support of the Limerick Fire Company and Police, and neighboring companies who volunteer their time to be sure the event is safe.

“We sponsor the fireworks 100 percent; many people thought Limerick Township did it,” Waltz said. “We thought it is a nice way to thank all of the folks who have come through the doors over the years and then come back again with kids and even grand kids. We are especially honored that our fireworks have become a family tradition for many, and we love having everyone sing ‘God Bless America,’ a tradition to start off our show since we started 20 years ago.”

Since Waltz Golf Farm is not the only one turning 50, the fun is being extended to everyone who was born in 1964. On Tuesday, anyone born in 1964 (must show valid driver’s license) will be able to play one free round on Par 3, Farm Golf and Castle Golf.

On Thursday, the Golf Farm is offering its prices from 1964.

From 1 to 5 p.m., $0.50 for Farm Golf, $0.75 for Castle Golf and $1 for Par 3. At 6 p.m. there will be a special food offer, $5 BBQ to include hot dog or beef BBQ, potato salad, corn bread, drink and a cup of Nelson’s Ice Cream, and from 6 to 9 p.m. there will be live music.

The biggest day of the celebration is July 4. There will be many food vendors, starting at 5 p.m. There will also be a free slide for the kids and live music will start at 6 p.m. At 9:30 p.m. there will be a welcome, everyone will sing “Happy Birthday” to Waltz Golf Farm and there will be a special guest singer.

At 9:45 p.m. there will be a 25-minute fireworks show followed by half-price miniature golf from 10:15 to 11:15 p.m.

Waltz Golf Farm is also planning a special patriotic light show. This show includes stars and bells and flashing lights all set to patriotic music. The eight to 10 minute show is centered off of the Golfers Gulch, and will be shown at twilight every evening through July 6.